Nine Rhode Island-based artists will participate in the second annual Rose Island Artist Residency next week. Their work will be showcased at a public event on Saturday, September 21.
The Rose Island Lighthouse & Fort Hamilton Trust (RILFH Trust) is hosting the artists on Rose Island from Sept. 16 to Sept. 22. The residency program supports Rhode Island artists working on projects inspired by the island’s environment and history.
The public is invited to visit Rose Island on Saturday from 12-3 p.m. to meet the artists and view their creations. Visitors can access the island via the Jamestown-Newport Ferry, with departure points at Jamestown’s East Ferry Wharf, Fort Adams, Ann St Pier, and Perotti Park in Newport.
The 2024 cohort of artists includes Haley Andrews, Erica Connolly, Chloe Ellison, Rachel Fletcher, Tracy Jonsson-Laboy, Mandy Howe, Brian Simas, Annie Tuthill and JooHee Yoon. These multi-disciplinary artists are working on various media projects during their six-night stay on the island.
For this special event, the RILFH Trust has waived the normal landing fees for visitors. Only ferry costs will apply for those using the Jamestown-Newport Ferry service.
Visitors can also arrive by personal paddlecraft and watercraft that can be beached near the Rose Island dock. The trust advises all boaters and paddlers to follow safety rules, wear life preservers, and monitor weather and sea conditions.
Once on the island, guests can take guided tours of the lighthouse and other historic structures. They will have the opportunity to interact with the artists and explore the island’s environment by hiking trails, picnicking, or enjoying the beaches.
The RILFH Trust, a 501c3 nonprofit organization based in Newport, RI, has been working since the mid-1980s to preserve Rose Island’s historic and environmental integrity. The trust maintains and operates the lighthouse for public access.
“This year’s 6-night artist residency is underwritten by the RILFH Trust, and the organization gratefully welcomes donations to support both current and future programs,” a press release about the event states.
The trust emphasizes its commitment to environmental stewardship, asking all visitors to carry out any trash and recycling they bring to the island.
The Rose Island Artist Residency program, now in its second year, aims to foster creativity inspired by the unique setting of Rose Island. By bringing together artists from various disciplines, the program seeks to create a diverse body of work that reflects the island’s rich history and natural beauty.
Visitors interested in attending the Sept. 21 event are encouraged to check the Jamestown-Newport Ferry schedule for transportation options. The ferry service provides a convenient way to access the island, with its hop-on/hop-off stops at various locations in Jamestown and Newport.
